In summer 2024, we sat down with River Heights MLA Mike Moroz and Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism Glen Simard to discuss the government’s priorities and commitments to the film sector.


OAFS: First things first, will you ever get rid of the tax credit?

Minister Simard: We are proud of the Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit. In my mandate letter from the Premier, I was tasked with finding ways to grow the film industry by modernizing the tax credit. This clearly defines our government’s commitment to supporting the film industry by improving the tax credit incentive for the long term.


OAFS: Can you give us an overview of what the recent budget included for the arts, specifically the local film industry?

Minister Simard: In our recent budget, we made a historic investment equaling a 13% increase in the arts, sports, and culture sectors. Specifically, Manitoba Film and Music (MFM) received $461,000 in additional funding to support its annual operating expenses.


OAFS: How do you see our film industry contributing to economic growth and job creation within our province?

Minister Simard: Manitoba’s film industry is known across Canada as a major player in all types of film production. It is a cornerstone economic driver for the province, encompassing major motion pictures recognized at the Cannes Film Festival and local productions in rural Manitoba. We also have key players in the Francophone film and TV industry. We are proud to invest in building the careers of the film industry’s cast and crew members in Manitoba.


OAFS: How does the Manitoba film industry contribute to the overall vibrancy and cultural life of our province?

Minister Simard: A vibrant film industry provides a collaborative community space for artists to explore, create, and produce. Telling educational and entertaining Manitoban and Canadian-made stories is a key component in making this province a place where creatives want to work. Being able to make a living in the film industry in the place you grew up is an important aspect of growing the economy of this province.


OAFS: Do you think there are opportunities for partnerships or alliances between the local film industry and other sectors, such as tourism or education, that could be particularly impactful?

Minister Simard: There have been and will continue to be partnerships between the local film industry and other sectors due to their mutual needs. This creates a symbiotic relationship and incentives to employ local talent. The opportunities are endless. Our government will continue to support an environment that fosters collaboration, excellence, and sustainability. By continuously engaging with stakeholders and committing to listening to the industry, the sky is the limit.


OAFS: Can you note any challenges or obstacles you’ve heard facing the Manitoba film industry and how they can be addressed?

Minister Simard: Workforce development continues to be a recurring topic in all our meetings. Continued support of the Manitoba Film and Music (MFM) will help achieve a workforce that is consistently able to secure employment, development, and advancement opportunities.


OAFS: Is there anything surprising you’ve learned about the local film industry since being elected to the Manitoba Legislature?

Minister Simard: I always knew Winnipeg and Manitoba were hotbeds of production, but I am just beginning to see the full scope of the industry’s impact.


OAFS: Looking ahead, what do you see as the future of the Manitoba film industry and how does the current government plan to support this continued growth and success?

Minister Simard: There is a great deal of deserved optimism around the film industry in Manitoba, and I share that optimism. Our government is invested in the continued success of the local film industry, and with significant investments in MFM in the recent budget, our commitment is clear. We want the industry to continue to grow and see ongoing workforce development. As referenced at the federal-provincial cultural and heritage minister conference last week, we aim to “knock it out of the park.”

Published in Style Manitoba Magazine • Summer 2024